Amazon flogging the Essential Phone for just US$280

The Amazon-exclusive Halo Grey Essential Phone is on special for US$280. (Source: Amazon)

Amazon is currently flogging the Essential Phone PH-1 for just US$280. Despite being powered by last year’s Snapdragon 835, Essential has already pushed out the official build of Android 9.0 Pie to the device making it a great deal.

Amazon is currently discounting the Essential Phone PH-1 in the exclusive-to-Amazon Halo Grey color. Usually retailing for US$499, the device can be yours for just US$280, making it a bargain at the price. Although running last year’s Snapdragon 835, it has already been updated to Android 9.0 Pie, making it the only non-Google Pixel phone with an official build of the latest software.

Beyond that, however, the Amazon version of the device is also pre-installed with Amazon’s Alexa personal digital assistant. It also remains one of the most beautiful devices on the market, with minimal bezels, a small notch, and is made from premium materials including titanium and ceramic. Although fitted with an LCD panel, its edge-to-edge Quad HD display is one of the best in class.

Also included in the price is a generous 128 GB of onboard storage and a decent 3040 mAh battery. It is fitted with dual-rear cameras that sit flush with the body, unlike most of its competitors. Unfortunately, however, the camera is also its principal weak point, not performing as well as the competition in most situations. Still, the current offer makes it hard to refuse given the US$999 price of similar high-end devices.

I have been tech-obsessed from the time my father introduced me to my first computer, an Apple ][. Since then, I have been particularly interested in all things Apple, but also enjoy exploring and experimenting with any computing platform that I can get my hands on – I am the definitive early adopter! I have always been interested in how we can use technology to shape and improve our lives, most recently using it to record, mix and master my debut record, Acuity – Nature | Nurture.